At a Glance
- Gov. Tate Reeves grants clemency to Maurice Taylor after his brother Marcus Taylor was released.
- Maurice received a 20-year sentence, far above the 5-year maximum for the crime.
- Reeves ordered his release within five days following new legal documents.
- Why it matters: The ruling corrects a sentencing error that denied justice to a Mississippi citizen.
In a rare move, Mississippi’s governor has granted clemency to a man whose 20-year sentence for a drug-conspiracy offense exceeded the state’s maximum penalty, following a similar release of his brother.
Background of the Sentences
Both brothers pleaded guilty in February 2015 to conspiracy to sell hydrocodone-acetaminophen, a Schedule III substance. At sentencing, the maximum penalty was 5 years, yet Maurice received 20 years (5 suspended) and Marcus 15 years.
- Plea bargains in 2015.
- Drug: hydrocodone-acetaminophen.
- Max penalty: 5 years.
Clemency Decision
Reeves announced Wednesday that Maurice would be released within five days after his post-conviction counsel contacted the governor’s office.
Gov. Tate Reeves stated:
> “Like his brother, Maurice received a sentence more than three times longer than allowed under Mississippi law.”
Gov. Tate Reeves added:
> “When justice is denied to even one Mississippian, it is denied to us all.”
- Reeves ordered release within five days.
- Sentencing error identified.
- First clemency for Reeves.
| Person | Sentenced | Maximum Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Maurice Taylor | 20 years (5 suspended) | 5 years |
| Marcus Taylor | 15 years | 5 years |
Reactions
The Mississippi Impact Coalition, an advocacy group, called the correction overdue, noting it should have happened decades ago.
Mississippi Impact Coalition said:
> “This correction should have happened decades ago.”
- Only two people to receive clemency from Reeves.
- Court of Appeals reversed earlier decision after rehearing.
- The decision followed a legal ruling that Marcus’s sentence was illegal.
Key Takeaways
- The clemency corrects a 20-year sentence that far exceeded the 5-year maximum.
- The decision follows a similar release of the brother’s 15-year sentence.
- Reeves’ action is the only clemency granted by him so far.
The governor’s move restores justice to the Taylor brothers and highlights the need for sentencing accuracy in Mississippi.
